Prep Baseball Report

McHenry Preseason I.D: Infielder Analysis


By Illinois Staff

On Jan. 31, the PBR Illinois team hosted its first event of 2021, the McHenry Preseason I.D., at Pro Player Academy in McHenry, Ill. For the past five years, this event has provided our staff with an opportunity to evaluate high school-aged prospects from Northern Illinois, primarily. The McHenry event has historically revealed to us some of the area’s top talent, and this year was no different.

If you missed us in McHenry, check out our showcase page to see when we’re in the neighborhood next.

In the week following the event, our staff collaborated to highlight the biggest takeaways from the showcase, and we published them within this Quick Hits piece. We also published our traditional statistics inside of this Statistical Analysis post, as well as data taken from our Blast Motion and TrackMan partners, which you can find here and here. This week, we began rolling out scouting reports position by position, beginning with the catchers and outfielders. We’re onto the infielders today.

Three sophomores came away ranked inside the top-five below, led by a familiar middle infielder, J.R. Nelson (Stevenson, 2023; uncommitted). Nelson’s been locked into the ‘23 radar for a long while now, as his athleticism and instincts on defense have helped stand out at an especially early age, and he continues to progress well.

J.R. Nelson (1/31/21)

Lake Forest sophomore Sheppard Graf (2023; uncommitted) is a different kind of prospect. He’s a corner infielder who swings a fast, physical bat geared for an impactful batted-ball profile from the right side.

Kyle Kaempf (McHenry, 2022; uncommitted) came away from this event with an arrow up, looking like a high-follow two-way player in the state’s junior class. He reached an 89 mph high from the mound, but also repeats a simple, quick right-handed swing well and defends the middle of the infield fluidly.

Lastly, another sophomore made an early mark in 2021 at this event: Jake Zitella (St. Charles East, 2023; uncommitted). Zitella projects best long-term at a corner infield spot and he generates above-average bat strength in his right-handed swing.

For full scouting reports on these four names, as well as all other infielders, continue on below.

TOP INFIELD PROSPECTS

1. J.R. Nelson, Stevenson (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: SS/2B. High-level infield defender.
Body: 5-foot-8, 150-pounds. Strength in the lower half.
Hit: RHH. Simple, balanced stance, smooth load, short stride. Quick hands, long path, hard contact to all fields, line-drive approach, controls the barrel, fluid rhythm.
Power: 86.81 max exit velocity, averaged 83.17 mph. 249’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 84 mph. Short loose arm action, high 3/4 slot with ability to throw from multiple slots.
Defense: Athletic infield actions, plays with confidence and active feet, gets around the baseball, stays low to the ground, advanced hands, quick clean exchange, plays through the baseball.
Run: 4.25 runner in the 60. Above average runner.

2. Sheppard Graf, Lake Forest (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 3B/1B
Body: 6-foot-3, 200-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Athletic, balanced stance, minimal load, short stride.  Explosive bat speed, advanced approach, short level swing path, gets extension after contact, works gap-to-gap, fluid rhythm.
Power: 96.14 max exit velocity, averaged 87.16 mph. 312’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 80 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top slot, throws played accurate with carry.
Defense: Pre-pitch hop, gets around the baseball, works low to high, soft hands, quick, clean transfer.
Run: 4.76 runner in the 60. 

3. Kyle Kaempf, McHenry (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: RHP/SS
Body: 6-foot-1, 160-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Simple, athletic stance, minimal pre-pitch load, short leg kick.  Quick compact swing, short level plane, gets extension through after contact, line drive gap-to-gap approach, fluid rhythm.
Power: 87.42 max exit velocity, averaged 81.2 mph. 285’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 87 mph. Long loose arm action, over-the-top slot.
Defense: Quick first step with fluid footwork, soft hands, stays low to the ground, plays through the baseball.
Run: 4.47 runner in the 60. 

4. Jake Zitella, St. Charles East (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 3B/SS
Body: 5-foot-11, 175-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Tall, balanced setup, open base, minimal pre-pitch load, short stride.  Aggressive swing, long level bat plane, gets extension after contact, power gap-to-gap approach, fluid rhythm.
Power: 95.77 max exit velocity, averaged 85.96 mph. 333’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 85 mph. Short loose arm action, high 3/4 slot, throw carry.
Defense: Small pre-pitch hop, works towards the baseball, clean exchange.
Run: 4.25 runner in the 60. Above average runner.

5. Caleb Royer, Grant (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: 1B
Body: 6-foot-4, 180-pounds.
Hit: LHH. Athletic, balanced setup, smooth load, short stride to close. Simple, repeatable swing, quick hands, advanced approach, short uphill bat plane, works line drive gap-to-gap, fluid rhythm.
Power: 97.03 max exit velocity, averaged 80.56 mph. 311’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 79 mph. Long loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Active feet pre-pitch, fields through the center of the body, feel for around the bag.
Run: 4.57 runner in the 60. 

6. Joseph Taylor, Grant (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: SS
Body: 5-foot-10, 155-pounds. Athletic body.
Hit: RHH. Balance setup, smooth load to the back leg, short stride.  Simple compact swing, short uphill plane, gets extension after contact, uses the whole field.
Power: 84.41 max exit velocity, averaged 78.12 mph. 308’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 83 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top slot, throws play with carry.
Defense: Gets around the baseball, works out in front, athletic double play turn, sure handed,
Run: 4.32 runner in the 60. 

7. Joseph Pflug, Westosha Central (WI), 2023
Positional Profile: SS
Body: 5-foot-11, 150-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Simple, balanced stance, slightly open base, smooth load, short stride to even. Loose hands, stays in the zone for a long time, long level bat path, gets extension after contact, gap-to-gap approach, fluid rhythm.
Power: 88.56 max exit velocity, averaged 80.66 mph. 271’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 76 mph. Short loose arm action, high 3/4 slot, throws are accurate.
Defense: Pre-pitch hop, works to get around the baseball, fluid footwork, quick, clean exchange, plays through the baseball, above-average body control.
Run: 4.61 runner in the 60. 

8. Aidan Alig, Crystal Lake Central (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 6-foot, 165-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Open, balanced stance, quiet load, short stride to even. Easy swing, short level bat path, line drive gap-to-gap approach, fluid rhythm.
Power: 84.74 max exit velocity, averaged 80.68 mph. 245’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 80 mph. Short loose arm action, over-the-top slot, throws played accurate with carry.
Defense: Gets around the baseball, fluid footwork, soft hands, clean glove to hand transfer, plays through the baseball.
Run: 4.26 runner in the 60. Above average runner.

9. Ryan Kempf, Crystal Lake Central (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: C/INF
Body: 5-foot-10, 180-pounds. Strong, well-proportioned frame.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, hands start high and drop slightly at load, short leg kick timing trigger.  Loose hands/wrists with hand speed, averaged 24.18 mph of hand speed per Blast Motion. Simple and easy right-handed stroke. Bat stays short and flat through the zone, travels on a level plane, pull-side tendency.
Power: 93.2 max exit velocity, averaged 86.12 mph. 256’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 75 mph. INF - 79 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top slot.
Defense: Worked out behind the plate and on the infield. Fluid lower half with flexible hips, works in line to target, clean exchange, short actions to release. Works around the baseball on the infield, steady hands play out front of body, controlled on the move, plays through the baseball; corner infield profile.
Run: 4.47 runner in the 60. 

10. Drew Seidel, Fremd (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 5-foot-9, 145-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Athletic in the box, wide, open stance, smooth load to a short stride to even.  Loose hands, quick bat speed, short swing, gets extension after contact, works gap-to-gap, fluid rhythm.
Power: 87.82 max exit velocity, averaged 80.54 mph. 262’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 76 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top slot.
Defense: Pre-pitch hop, quick feet, stays low to the ground, plays through the baseball.
Run: 4.12 runner in the 60. Advanced runner.

Best of the Rest (Listed Alphabetically)

Chandler Alderman, North Boone (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: LHP/1B
Body: 6-foot-3, 190-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Wide, balanced stance, minimal load, toe tap stride.  Strong, quick hands, short barrel path, power gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 91.92 max exit velocity, averaged 86.43 mph. 314’ max distance.
Arm: LH. INF - 78 mph. Long loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Works through the baseball, athletic around the bag, quick turn to second.
Run: 4.66 runner in the 60. 

Daniel Blickhan, West Chicago (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 3B/1B
Body: 6-foot, 175-pounds. Athletic strong body.
Hit: RHH. Simple, balance stance, smooth pre-pitch load, short stride.  Strong hands, long uphill bat path, power gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 88.17 max exit velocity, averaged 73.4 mph. 315’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 72 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top slot.
Defense: Pre-pitch hop, works to get around the baseball.
Run: 4.83 runner in the 60. 

Dominic Borecky, Hampshire (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: 2B/SS
Body: 5-foot-8, 140-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Slightly open balanced setup, minimal pre-pitch load, short stride to even. Short level swing path, working gap-to-gap.
Power: 80.88 max exit velocity, averaged 75.24 mph. 208’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 70 mph. Short loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Pre-pitch hop, quiet feet, confident hands, stays low to the ground.
Run: 4.72 runner in the 60. 

Joey Burke, Montini Catholic (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: 3B/2B
Body: 5-foot-11, 150-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Balance setup, smooth pre-pitch load, short toe tap stride.  Quick strong hands, compact swing, short level bat path, line drive gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 93.49 max exit velocity, averaged 79.64 mph. 302’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 71 mph. Long arm action, over-the-top slot.
Defense: Soft feet, athletic work up the middle.
Run: 4.76 runner in the 60. 

Jacob Buysse, Mundelein (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: 1B/3B
Body: 6-foot-2, 210-pounds. Strong athletic body.
Hit: RHH. Tall stance, closed base, smooth pre-pitch load, short stride.  Loose hands, quick level bath path, gets extension after contact, power gap-to-gap approach, fluid rhythm.
Power: 96.51 max exit velocity, averaged 90.28 mph. 356’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 69 mph. Long loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Soft footwork, confident around the base, sure handed.
Run: 5.02 runner in the 60. 

Chase Carroll, Saint Viator (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: 1B/RHP
Body: 6-foot, 170-pounds.
Hit: LHH. Tall balance setup, smooth load trigger, short toe tap stride.  Quick level swing, power pull approach, fluid rhythm.
Power: 83.97 max exit velocity, averaged 78.37 mph. 244’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 69 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top slot.
Defense: Fluid footwork, quick glove to hand transfer, works off his left side.
Run: 4.58 runner in the 60. 

Stephen Combs, Harvest Christian Academy (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: SS
Body: 5-foot-11, 150-pounds. Athletic body.
Hit: LHH. Athletic in the box, wide base, back load trigger, short stride.  Loose hands, full plate coverage, short level swing, working line drive gap-to-gap approach, fluid rhythm.
Power: 84.29 max exit velocity, averaged 76.02 mph. 273’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 66 mph. Long arm action, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Quick feet, sure handed to the glove side.
Run: 4.76 runner in the 60. 

Michael Dabe, Huntley (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 6-foot-1, 180-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Athletic in the box, balance setup, smooth load, short stride.  Quick strong hands, short level swing, full plate coverage, line drive gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 90.05 max exit velocity, averaged 77.42 mph. 235’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 73 mph. Short arm action, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Works around the baseball, quick feet, quick exchange.
Run: 4.76 runner in the 60. 

Tyler DeFranco, Libertyville (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 5-foot-8, 175-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, open stance, minimal load, short stride to even.  Flashed strong hands, short level swing plane, working line drives to all fields.
Power: 89.31 max exit velocity, averaged 85.22 mph. 303’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 76 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top slot.
Defense: Works to get around the baseball, stays low to the ground, quick turning action to second.
Run: 4.82 runner in the 60. 

Tyler Deleskiewicz, Badger (WI) (WI), 2022
Positional Profile: RHP/1B One of the top prospects in Wisconsin 2022 class.
Body: 6-foot-5, 210-pounds. Long frame with projection.
Hit: RHH. Crouched setup, big loading action, short stride. Path is long, works on an uphill plane, gap to gap contact.
Power: 95.31 max exit velocity, averaged 78.91 mph. 347’ max distance. Flashes raw power.
Arm: RH. INF - 86 mph. Loose arm action, well above average arm strength, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Large target, average feel around the bag, hands work out front.
Run: 4.36 runner in the 60. 

AJ Dietrich, Geneva (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: LHP/1B
Body: 6-foot, 140-pounds.
Hit: LHH. Tall stance, narrow closed base, minimal pre-pitch load, short stride.  Long uphill swing, working gap-to-gap.
Power: 77.68 max exit velocity, averaged 74.86 mph. 119’ max distance.
Arm: LH. INF - 71 mph. Long loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Fields out in front, fluid footwork,
Run: 4.83 runner in the 60. 

David DiStefano, Janesville Craig (WI) (WI), 2024
Positional Profile: 1B/RHP
Body: 6-foot-3, 180-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Slightly open balanced stance, minimal load, short stride.  Short level swing, line drive opposite field approach.
Power: 84.13 max exit velocity, averaged 79.44 mph. 236’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 74 mph. Short loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Fields through the baseball, soft hands, athletic feet around the base.
Run: 4.67 runner in the 60. 

Joey Garlin, Huntley (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 2B
Body: 5-foot-9, 165-pounds. Athletic frame, strong build.
Hit: RHH. Narrow stance, minimal load, short stride. Hard contact, quick uphill plane, gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 91.66 max exit velocity, averaged 84.67 mph. 313’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 82 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top slot.
Defense: Works from the left side of the body, quick exchange, athletic feet.
Run: 4.19 runner in the 60. Above-average runner.

Brody Geary, St. Charles North (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 2B
Body: 5-foot-9, 145-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Slightly open, balance setup, minimal load, short stride.  Simple swing, short level bat path, line drives to all fields.
Power: 88.42 max exit velocity, averaged 77.16 mph. 226’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 75 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Pre-pitch hop, gets around the baseball, works low to high, quick transfer, plays through the baseball.
Run: 4.76 runner in the 60. 

Braydon Gibour, Crystal Lake Central (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: 3B
Body: 6-foot, 200-pounds.
Hit: LHH. Tall, narrow stance, open base, quick load to short leg kick.  Aggressive in the box, quick bat speed, short level swing, line drive approach.
Power: 90.85 max exit velocity, averaged 82.65 mph. 297’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 77 mph. Short loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Quick feet, plays through the baseball.
Run: 4.30 runner in the 60. 

Josh Good, Huntley  (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: 2B/RHP
Body: 5-foot-8, 150-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Wide, balanced setup, open base, minimal hand load, short stride to even.  Simple confident swing, short level bat plane, line drive approach.
Power: 85.75 max exit velocity, averaged 73.35 mph. 278’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 81 mph. Long loose arm action, over-the-top slot.
Defense: Athletic footwork, plays through the center of the body.
Run: 4.54 runner in the 60. 

Caden Guenther, Jacobs (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 2B/SS
Body: 5-foot-9, 150-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Wide, balanced stance, high hands, smooth load to a short leg lift.   Loose Hands, short level swing path, gap-to-gap approach, fluid rhythm.
Power: 84.8 max exit velocity, averaged 77.38 mph. 261’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 76 mph. Short loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Wide base, stays low, fluid footwork, plays through the baseball.
Run: 4.44 runner in the 60. 

Dylan Harer, St. Viator (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: OF/SS
Body: 6-foot, 168-pounds. Athletic frame.
Hit: SH. Balanced setup, smooth load, short stride. Fluid swing, bat in zone a long time, gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 90.11 max exit velocity, averaged 74.26 mph. 284’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 74 mph. OF - 80 mph. Short arm action on infield, longer from the outfield, over the top arm slot, throws flash carry from outfield.
Defense: Infield: steady hands, funnels to center, plays low. Outfield: Fluid footwork, plays through the ball, small crow hop.
Run: 3.97 runner in the 60. One of the only sub-4 runners at the event.

Colin Hart, Wilmot (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 6-foot-4, 177-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Crouched, wide stance, minimal pre-pitch load, short stride. Short uphill swing path, working line drive to the pull side.
Power: 85.71 max exit velocity, averaged 77.36 mph. 250’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 74 mph. Long loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Pre-pitch hop, stay low to the ground, works through the baseball.
Run: 4.61 runner in the 60. 

Chase Jetel, Huntley  (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: 1B/LHP
Body: 6-foot-3, 180-pounds.
Hit: LHH. Open, balanced setup, simple smooth load, slow, controlled toe tap stride.  Strong hands, stays on top of the baseball, short bat path, line drive approach.
Power: 93.23 max exit velocity, averaged 78.86 mph. 282’ max distance.
Arm: LH. INF - 76 mph. Long loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Pre-pitch hop, works through the baseball, sure handed, athletic around the bag.
Run: 4.51 runner in the 60. 

Eddie Johnson, Huntley (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: 1B/3B
Body: 6-foot-1, 205-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Simple wide setup, smooth pre-pitch load, short stride. Strong hands, short level swing path, working line drives to all fields.
Power: 77.53 max exit velocity, averaged 67.12 mph. 130’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 66 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Works towards the baseball, proper footworks around 1st base.
Run: 5.37 runner in the 60. 

Luke Joseph, Lake Forest (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: 1B/LHP
Body: 5-foot-8, 145-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Upright balance stance, smooth pre-pitch load, short stride.  Quick hands, long level bat path, gets extension after contact, gap-to-gap approach, fluid rhythm.
Power: 79.68 max exit velocity, averaged 67.42 mph. 272’ max distance.
Arm: LH. INF - 66 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top slot.
Defense: Clean transfer, plays through the baseball.
Run: 5.12 runner in the 60. 

Ryan Junge, Richmond Burton (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: 2B/RHP
Body: 5-foot-6, 105-pounds. Projectable frame.
Hit: RHH. Simple balanced setup, smooth pre-pitch load, short stride.  Advanced barrel control for age, short level swing, line drive gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 71.09 max exit velocity, averaged 59.24 mph. 179’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 61 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Chargers the baseball, works low to high fielding.
Run: 4.84 runner in the 60.

Sean Kempf, Crystal Lake Central (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: C/INF
Body: 5-foot-9, 150-pounds. Athletic frame with some wiry strength attached.
Hit: RHH. Balanced slightly open setup, smooth load as hands slot into a strong hitting position, toe-tap timing trigger.  Short and simple bat path, flashed line drive feel to the pull-side, easy effort throughout.
Power: 85.72 max exit velocity, averaged 80.82 mph. 298’ max distance.
Arm: RH. C - 71 mph. INF - 73 mph. Arm plays short and comes out of an over-the-top window.
Defense: Worked out behind the plate and on the infield. Athletic setup from the crouch, flexible lower half, works direct to target, long to release. Active feet on the infield, glove hand works out front of body at times, controls body well on the move.
Run: 4.72 runner in the 60.  

Cole Kersten, McHenry (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 5-foot-10, 205-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Simple, balanced setup, smooth load to the back leg, short leg stride.  Quick strong hands, short level barrel plane, working gap-to-gap.
Power: 92.17 max exit velocity, averaged 83.37 mph. 312’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 81 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Fluid footwork, works towards the baseball, clean exchange.
Run: 4.43 runner in the 60. 

Mason Mckim, Prairie Ridge  (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 1B/OF
Body: 5-foot-11, 180-pounds.
Hit: LHH. Wide setup, weight sits on back leg, short stride. Short, direct path, flashed quick hands with a peak hand speed of 23.9 MPH.
Power: 91.01 max exit velocity, averaged 83.4 mph. 269’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 76 mph. OF - 77 mph. Short arm action, over the top arm slot.
Defense: Outfield: flashes active feet, clean exchange. Infield: steady hands, works with proper direction, showed off a bare-hand on slow roller.
Run: 4.27 runner in the 60. 

Gavin Micklinghoff, McHenry (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: 3B/2B
Body: 6-foot-2, 185-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Simple, balanced stance, minimal load, short leg lift.  Loose strong hands, short uphill swing plane, power gap-to-gap, fluid rhythm.
Power: 86.27 max exit velocity, averaged 77.8 mph. 255’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 80 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top slot.
Defense: Quick feet, clean exchange, plays through the baseball.
Run: 4.68 runner in the 60. 

Nick Model, Huntley (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: 2B/OF
Body: 5-foot-8, 155-pounds.
Hit: LHH. Simple setup, wide base, minimal pre-pitch load, no stride.  Short level swing, line drive gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 77.79 max exit velocity, averaged 70.92 mph. 198’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 72 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top slot.
Defense: Quick feet, works around the baseball, fields out in front, plays through the baseball.
Run: 4.56 runner in the 60. 

Ryan Nagel, McHenry (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: SS
Body: 5-foot-6, 130-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Athletic, simple setup, minimal pre-pitch load, short toe tap stride.  Quick hands, short uphill swing plane, works line drive to the gaps.
Power: 83.52 max exit velocity, averaged 77.03 mph. 244’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 75 mph. Short loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Works out in front, quick footwork, works low to high, quick glove to hand exchange.
Run: 4.72 runner in the 60. 

Joshua Ortiz, Portage (IN) (IN), 2022
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 6-foot-2, 245-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Crounched, balanced stance, bar load trigger, short stride.  Strong hands, short bat path, gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 92.77 max exit velocity, averaged 74.93 mph. 314’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 73 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top slot.
Defense: Gets around the baseball, clean transfer, plays through the baseball.
Run: 5.08 runner in the 60. 

Ryan Polly, Sycamore (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 6-foot-2, 140-pounds. Lean lanky frame.
Hit: RHH. Tall, open stance, bar load, toe tap stride. Long level swing, line drive approach.
Power: 87.64 max exit velocity, averaged 78.17 mph. 208’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 81 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Works towards the baseball, quick turn to second.
Run: 4.90 runner in the 60. 

Tyler Potter, McHenry (IL), 2021
Positional Profile: RHP/1B
Body: 6-foot-4, 200-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Upright balance stance, minimal load, short stride.  Strong hands, short uphill swing, gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 83.29 max exit velocity, averaged 74.87 mph. 218’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 69 mph. Long loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Chargers the baseball, confident footwork around the base, quick turns to second.
Run: 4.58 runner in the 60. 

Dillon Putty, McHenry  (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 1B
Body: 6-foot-1, 220-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Slightly open balanced setup, back load, short leg kick.  Quick strong hands, long uphill swing path, power gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 91.71 max exit velocity, averaged 77.07 mph. 243’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 71 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top slot.
Defense: Works to get around the baseball, fluid footwork, sure handed, quick turn to second.
Run: 4.51 runner in the 60. 

Andrew Ressler, Huntley (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 6-foot-1, 185-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, hands high and away from body, minimal load, short stride. Long level swing, line drive approach.
Power: 93.87 max exit velocity, averaged 84.55 mph. 287’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 85 mph. Short loose arm action, high 3/4 slot, strong arm.
Defense: Field off the left side, works through the baseball, stays low.
Run: 4.47 runner in the 60. 

Sam Rohlfing, Harvest Christian (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 6-foot-2, 162-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Balance setup, smooth coil load, short stride. Loose hands, short level swing path, all field approach, fluid rhythm.
Power: 86.72 max exit velocity, averaged 78.96 mph. 313’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 75 mph. Long arm action, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Small pre-pitch hop, gets around the baseball, works low, clean exchange, plays through the baseball.
Run: 4.97 runner in the 60. 

Ben Rossi, Grant  (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: 3B/SS
Body: 5-foot-11, 165-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Slightly open, balanced setup, minimal load, short leg kick.  Hard compact swing, short level path, gets extension after contact, gap-to-gap approach, fluid rhythm.
Power: 90.11 max exit velocity, averaged 77.11 mph. 286’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 80 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top slot.
Defense: Gets low to the ground, fluid footwork, sure handed, plays through the baseball.
Run: 4.29 runner in the 60. 

Thomas Starcevich, Sandburg (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 5-foot-10, 160-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Simple, quiet setup, minimal pre-pitch load, short leg lift.  Easy, repeatable swing, short level path, line drive pull approach.
Power: 84.94 max exit velocity, averaged 75.36 mph. 184’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 75 mph. Short arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Pre-pitch hop, works towards the baseball, stays low to the ground.
Run: 4.62 runner in the 60. 

Miguel Suero, Joliet West  (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: 3B/SS
Body: 6-foot, 195-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Athletic, balanced setup, smooth load, short leg lift. Short level swing, working line drive pull side.
Power: 85.3 max exit velocity, averaged 81.74 mph. 229’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 68 mph. Short arm action, over-the-top slot.
Defense: Average hands, quick feet.
Run: 5.19 runner in the 60. 

David Synovic, Lakes Community (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: 1B/RHP
Body: 6-foot-3, 160-pounds. Lean lanky frame.
Hit: RHH. Tall stance, wide base, smooth load, short stride to even.  Quick bat, long level swing path, gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 86.07 max exit velocity, averaged 77.7 mph. 282’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 68 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Works towards the baseball, athletic around the base, stays low to the ground.
Run: 4.54 runner in the 60. 

Tyler Tylka, Wauconda (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: RHP/3B
Body: 6-foot-1, 160-pounds. Lean athletic body.
Hit: RHH. Balanced setup, minimal load, short leg kick.  Short level bat path, working line drives, gap-to-gap approach.
Power: 80.53 max exit velocity, averaged 71.66 mph. 210’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 59 mph. Short loose arm action, 3/4 slot.
Defense: Works through the baseball, stays low, confident hands.
Run: 4.87 runner in the 60. 

Logan Voelz, Antioch (IL), 2024
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 6-foot-1, 185-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Simple, crouched setup, wide base, minimal load, short leg lift. Strong hands, hard contact, short uphill swing, working gap-to-gap.
Power: 88.54 max exit velocity, averaged 78.85 mph. 320’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 87 mph. Long loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Quick feet, average hands.
Run: 4.61 runner in the 60. 

Trace Vrbancic, Prairie Ridge (IL), 2023
Positional Profile: 3B/RHP
Body: 6-foot, 155-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Balanced, open setup, minimal load, short stride. Quick bat speed, short level barrel path, working line drive to the gaps.
Power: 80.7 max exit velocity, averaged 72.33 mph. 234’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 78 mph. Long loose arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Gets around the baseball, works low to high, sure handed, quick feet, plays through the baseball.
Run: 4.52 runner in the 60. 

Connor Wallace, Richmond-Burton (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: SS/2B
Body: 6-foot-1, 160-pounds.
Hit: RHH. Narrow, open stance, minimal load, long stride to even.  Level bat path, working line drives to the pull side.
Power: 85.12 max exit velocity, averaged 77.21 mph. 218’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 75 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Gets around the baseball, plays through the baseball.
Run: 4.37 runner in the 60. 

Brendan Whalen, Grayslake Central (IL), 2022
Positional Profile: RHP/1B
Body: 6-foot-4, 195-pounds. Strong tall frame.
Hit: RHH. Tall, open stance, smooth load to a medium leg kick. Fluid easy swing, long level path, gets extension after contact, gap-to-gap approach, fluid rhythm.
Power: 89.32 max exit velocity, averaged 84.9 mph. 295’ max distance.
Arm: RH. INF - 81 mph. Long arm action, high 3/4 slot.
Defense: Pre-pitch hop, works towards the baseball, clean turn to second.
Run: 4.66 runner in the 60. 

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